September 11 memorial stair climb hosted by International Rescue and Relief
On September 11, 2001, New York City was struck with a terrorist attack on the World Trade Center. Areas such as the Pentagon were also targeted, but New York Magazine reports that in New York alone the death toll reached 2,753 people killed in the attack. Among those, 343 firefighters and paramedics gave their lives to save others.
At Union College, one of the largest academic degrees available is the International Rescue and Relief (IRR) degree, which in itself involves developing emergency medical services (EMS), fire department (FD) and other emergency skills necessary to perform in the midst of a disaster. Those in IRR held an annual 9/11 stair climb at 6:30 a.m. to memorialize the sacrifices made by those who risked their lives responding to the attacks.
The event itself is held in the Everett Dick Building, where students climb up and down the flights of stairs to accomplish the 110-flight run made in the attacks. Many students come out of this event exhausted, and some say that the leg pain lasts for days afterward. Nevertheless, students come to the event in a demonstration of resolve and commitment. Payton Arnett, one of the student climbers, commented,“The event was awesome, but my legs hurt for two days. It was an amazing way to honor the fallen and to never forget the events of that day.”
The event holds value for many people, especially those in EMS and FD already. Noah Kruzich, IRR professor for the EMS courses, said, “EMS providers generally work in the background. Recognition isn’t something we usually get, so when those men and women went into the towers, it wasn’t for recognition. Their only goal was to save those people, and this is how we remember them.”
Andrew Saunders is the head of the IRR department at Union College. When asked what the event meant to him, Saunders said, “It’s an important way to show who we want to be, and how their sacrifices inspire us to help others…Many times, we see students excited to climb, making jokes and having fun. When they’re running up and down the stairs, though, they start to really think about what these providers did, with 70 extra pounds on.” When asked what he would say to students who want to attend, Saunders said, “The event is great for showing who you want to be. It shows dedication and makes you ask yourself ‘What are you willing to do for your community?’”
In memorial of September 11, 2001, Union College hosts this event to remember the fallen, and bring appreciation for what they did on 9/11 and how it has changed the world we live in.
By James Smartt